Reframing Obesity Treatment: Addressing Stigma, Myths, Misconceptions, and Patient Concerns On-Demand-Addressing Bias & Stigma

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar focuses on addressing myths, stigma, and bias in obesity treatment, emphasizing obesity as a complex and chronic disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The panel, consisting of healthcare professionals, highlights the importance of reframing obesity as a chronic disease, acknowledging that traditional views often regarded it merely as a matter of willpower. They discuss the National Institutes of Health and other organizations' classification of obesity as a disease, and the delays in its official recognition due to societal and professional hurdles.<br /><br />The session underscores that BMI alone is insufficient for diagnosing obesity, as it may not accurately reflect a patient's health status. It highlights the significance of using person-first language and patient-centered communication to foster a supportive environment. The panel provides patient cases to illustrate how weight bias and stigma can delay diagnoses and affect care. The presentation covers the need for a comprehensive, compassionate approach to obesity management, addressing medical conditions associated with obesity and understanding patients' perspectives and readiness to change. Recommendations include adopting positive language and acknowledging the numerous factors that contribute to obesity, aiming to reduce stigma and enhance patient care.

Keywords

obesity

stigma

myths

multidisciplinary

people-first language

holistic treatment

five A's

patient-centered

evidence-based

obesity treatment

bias

chronic disease

multidisciplinary approach

BMI

patient-centered communication

weight bias